Steven Barrera

CIS 110
12/2/14
Conrad Davies
Final Essay

This portfolio is pretty much a map and timeline of when and how I have developed as a writer
In the course of taking CIS 110. This is a way I can reflect and see where I have come and where I am
going in regards to communicating, researching, and plainly presenting ideas to people. In high school
wasnt the best of writers, actually writing wasnt my forte what so ever. I was a brilliant thinker and
could converse on just about any topic that was presented in front of me but when it came down to
typing or putting pen to paper it was a different result entirely. So in the beginnings of this class and
especially when I was introduced to what APA format was, I began to struggle a lot. I didnt know what
to do and what not to do, how to do what and all that and so forth. Thus I turned my ear to what my
professor what teaching to better myself as a communicator. Thus began my transitions, starting out
with minor assignments like the reflections about our common reading experience A Long Way Gone by
Ishmeal Beah you could see how I learned and picked up on APA formatting and syntax throughout the
course of the essay. Another aspect I learned from this course is perspective. Being raised primarily
Christian I only saw my view of life on a religious perspective which isnt something I regret by no means
but its a limiting perspective thus which brought my decision of picking my culture easier than most.
Choosing the atheist culture was a bit different in regards to how I was taught and brought up. I was a
friend to most and all in high school but being raised in what is known as the Bible Belt not many atheist
reside in Kentucky or in my home town for that matter, thus this gave me a very negative stereotype of
what an atheist actually is. Completely ignorant to the subject I chose it to understand a little bit better
so I can better myself as an open minded Christian. Quickly I learned that stereotypes are wrong for a
reason and that some of these atheists that I met and read about made some the Christians that I have
befriended and loved for quite some time look like a bunch of devious snakes. My perspective was
broadened and my eyes were open just a little bit wider thus, giving me a better and more respectful
understanding of the atheist community. In closing of that I have taken the skills and teachings that I
have learned through the timeline of this course to heart and plan on harnessing the opportunities to
practice them and develop them better for my future career. My future occupation being something to
do with psychology I have a passion for people and for helping said people but the only way I can do
such a thing it to first communicate with them.